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John the up

Steve Cooper has hailed the character of Nottingham Forest’s two-goal hero Brennan Johnson.

The Welsh whizz nabbed the sixth and seventh strikes of his maiden Premier League campaign during yesterday’s spirited 2-2 home draw with Everton.

A Demarai Gray penalty and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s header twice put the Toffees ahead but both strikes were cancelled out via smart finishes from Forest’s talisman.

Cooper has been impressed by the way his 21-year-old forward has bounced back to form after a challenging spell.

The Reds boss explained: "He took a bit of a rocky road before the World Cup break but that was always going to happen — and the other young players in the group are going through it now. 

"But he’s performing well and he’s getting good numbers. As always, it’s about continuing to improve. But I see how committed he is and how much he wants to get better.

"He knows he still has a long way to go. That’s natural because of his age and the fact that this is his first year in the Prem. But we’re really pleased with Bren."

Calls for Bruno ban

Ref Support UK chief executive Martin Cassidy believes Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes deserves a five-game ban for his conduct towards a match official.

The Red Devils were destroyed 7-0 by fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday and Fernandes was seen pushing a linesman away during one heated moment in the contest.

Though the official had made contact with the Portuguese midfielder first, to restrain him from squaring up to Reds defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cassidy was unimpressed by the incident.

Cassidy said: "I think he’s got to be looking at at least a five-game ban.

"To get in contact with a match official is a serious offence and should be treated such way. I think that would be absolutely appropriate.

"There’s got to be a strong message here that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable at any level at all, and I hope the FA make that clear."

Ex-player and pundit Chris Sutton agrees with that verdict, writing in his weekly column: "There was nothing professional about this behaviour. It was more befitting a petulant child, and the push on the assistant should result in a ban, no ifs and buts."

Beale staying upbeat

Michael Beale is trying to block out negativity from the stands and ensure Rangers’ season ends on a high note.

The Gers currently trail Celtic by nine points in the Scottish Premiership title race and were humbled by their bitter rivals in last month’s League Cup final 2-1.

Some supporters protested against the club’s board during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock but ex-QPR boss Beale says such incidents will not distract him and his players.

Beale said: "I would like it for us to be all together but I understand that at times there is going to be discontent.

"When we lose a cup final in the way that we played, I think in the days after you are going to see a reaction from the fans.

"I have got to try to keep all that away from them, that’s my job. I can’t really control the other things.

"It is a heavy shirt at times but it is a great opportunity to play for our club and with it comes great expectation.

"They are aware of that, we have spoken about it and they are massively disappointed as well but we have to move forward."

PUMA hunt down Grealish

Manchester City and England ace Jack Grealish has penned a long-term partnership with global sportswear giants PUMA.

Grealish, 27, helped the Citizens lift the Premier League title in his first campaign at the Etihad last term and has nine direct goal contributions in all competitions this season.

The 29-cap international said: "For me, PUMA felt like a perfect fit. They have an amazing history in football and have worked with some of the world’s greatest players. 

"I am delighted to join the family and to be a PUMA FUTURE athlete. I am at home on the pitch and want to express myself, which is something I like about the brand — they do things differently and have a great outlook on football."